Rules for drones

Question

I intend to buy a drone. Are there any rules I should be aware of?

Answer

Drones and model aircraft are both considered small unmanned aircraft and the same rules apply to their operation. The rules are set out in the Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) and Rockets Order 2015 (SI 563/2015).

Under the rules, all drones weighing 1kg or more must be registered with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). This includes the weight of the battery and all attached equipment, including cargo, at the start of its flight. You must be over 16 years of age to register a drone, otherwise it must be registered by a parent or legal guardian. You register your drone online at iaa.ie/drones.

You must never operate a drone in a negligent or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of others and you must have permission from the landowner for take-off and landing. You must never operate it:

·         Farther than 300 metres from you or out of your direct line of sight

·         Over 120 metres above ground level

·         Over urban areas or over a group of 12 or more people

·         Within 120 metres of any person, vessel or structure not under your control

·         Closer than 5 kilometres from an aerodrome

·         If it will be a hazard to another aircraft in flight

·         In civil or military controlled airspace or in restricted areas such as prisons

If you want to operate your drone outside these limits, you must apply to the IAA for a specific operating permission and complete a drone safety training course. If your drone weighs 4kg or more, you must complete a drone safety training course before operating it. You should be aware that there may be privacy or trespass issues if you operate a drone over private property. While you do not need insurance to operate a drone it is recommended that you are insured and that you complete a drone safety training course.

Discrimination when renting residential property

Question

Are advertisements saying that landlords won’t accept tenants getting Rent Supplement allowed?

Answer

Equality legislation applies to lettings and accommodation. The Equal Status Acts 2000-2015 ban certain kinds of discrimination. Broadly speaking, discrimination means that you receive less favourable treatment than other people in a comparable situation on grounds of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race or membership of the Traveller community. Landlords cannot discriminate against potential tenants on these grounds.

Since 1 January 2016, following an amendment to the Equal Status Acts, landlords cannot discriminate against tenants because they are getting Rent Supplement or any other social welfare payment, or a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). This means that landlords can no longer state when advertising accommodation that Rent Supplement (or HAP) is not accepted and they cannot refuse to rent you accommodation because you are getting Rent Supplement, HAP or a social welfare payment.

However if you are sharing with the home owner (under the Rent a Room Scheme, for example), a license agreement exists and the Acts do not apply. There are some other exemptions. If you feel you have been discriminated against by a landlord or their agent, you can contact the Workplace Relations Commission to find out more about making a complaint under the Equal Status Acts. Visit workplacerelations.ie for contact details.

For more information about your rights you can contact the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.

Further information is available from the Citizens Information Centre below.

Know Your Rights has been compiled by Boyle Citizens Information Centre which provides a free and confidential service to the public. Tel: 0761 07 6330

Address: Elphin Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service - 0761 07 4000

Census 2016

Know Your Rights: Census 2016

Question

Can you explain how the census works? Do I have to complete the form?

Answer

The Census of Population counts every person who is in the State on a particular date. It establishes the size of the population in the State and it also helps to provide an accurate measure of population changes due to inward and outward migration.

The census takes place every 5 years and is carried out by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The next census will be on Sunday 24 April 2016.

The census counts everyone who is present in the State on the designated night, including visitors who usually live abroad. Under the Statistics Act 1993, you are legally obliged to complete and return the census form. If you refuse to provide this information, or if you deliberately provide false information, you may be fined. Teams of enumerators deliver census forms to every household and to every other type of place where people may be present on census night (such as hotels, guesthouses, hospitals, ships). Everyone who is actually on the premises on census night, including visitors, should be counted. Census enumerators call to all households to deliver forms before census night and then call back to collect completed forms. Enumerators all carry ID and can help if you have difficulty completing the form.

The form includes a wide range of questions, including age, marital status, sex, place of birth, level of education, type of employment and housing characteristics. All the information that you give on the census form is confidential. The CSO only uses it for statistical purposes and no other organisation (including government departments or agencies) can access information from the census that would identify you in any way.

When you have completed the form on census night, sign the declaration at the end of it and keep it safe until your enumerator calls back to collect it.

Further information is available from the Citizens Information Centre below.

Know Your Rights has been compiled by Boyle Citizens Information Centre which provides a free and confidential service to the public. Tel: 0761 07 6330

Address: Elphin Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service - 0761 07 4000